Chapter 4

"I don't know that ceiling."

Subaru Natsuki awoke, groggily, to an unfamiliar white ceiling. He sat up slowly, trying to get his bearings. He noticed that the room was very lush and that he was wearing a white robe. He also took note of the fact that his guts weren't on the floor, so that was good.

About time you awoke, Nekron called out.

Yes, human, you kept us waiting for far too long. You shouldn't sloth around, the Entity said.

"Heh, heh! Sorry for forcing you to wait. We humans are a rather pitiful species, but your judge and ambassador is awake and ready to see what this world has to offer! Although I would've liked to see Emilia sleeping at my side..." With a jump, Subaru hopped up and walked out of his room. It was connected to a very nice hallway.

"Well, might as well meet the locals." Subaru walked straight...until he saw the same painting beside his room.

"Is this a looping hallway?! Whatever! I'll just make the game master regret being born, for I am the Arbiter!" Subaru walked up to the nearest door, believing it to be the key. Upon opening it, he witnessed a grand library with butterfly patterns repeating throughout. At the center on a stool, was a very noble-looking girl with cream-colored drills for hair.

"Hey, what is this place?" Subaru asked her.

"This is Betty's multipurpose room, I suppose," she answered, not bothering to look up.

"Wow, what an automated response! Are you one of those manual girls everyone's into?"

She ignored him.

"Come on, smile for me," he said, exaggerating a smile.

She closed her book loudly, clearly annoyed. "What an obnoxiously rude and annoying man you are, I suppose," she said. "I've had enough of this!" She got up and walked over to him, placing her hand on his stomach. "Any last words, I suppose?"

"Any last wha-!" Suddenly, Subaru felt a burst of pain...that ended just as quickly as it started. The little girl stepped back, shaking, with tears in her eyes.

"W-what are you, I suppose?"
"..."

Subaru was confused, until he heard the Entity.

Tell her that you are from beyond the Great Waterfall, that you've come here to damn this world, or save it, he ordered.

"I'm Subaru Natsuki! A human from beyond the Great Waterfall that has come here to judge this world as I see fit!" He extended his hand. "Nice to meet you, loli girl!"

The girl was still shivering.

"Y'know, when someone gives an introduction, it's typically customary to give one yourself."

Hesitantly, she took his hand. "Betty is Beatrice, I suppo-no, in fact!" Slowly regaining her earlier composure, she shook his hand.

"Nice to meet you, Beako!" Subaru said to her. "Unfortunately, I'm a bit lost. Could you show me around?"

"...I'm not the best as a guide, but if you walk back out, I'm sure you'll run into somebody." Beako answered him, pointing back to the entrance.

"Alright, but I would've loved to spend more time with you. You're super cute and I wanted to play with your hair." Subaru turned to leave. "Bye, bye!" he said, walking out the door.

"Have you finally heard my cries, mother?" Beatrice clenched her black book tightly.

Opening the door, Subaru expected to see the same hallway as before. Instead, he was greeted by what appeared to be a room that housed two people, judging by the bed and the fact that it looked used.

"Huh?" Subaru was confused; how did he get here? Unless…

Don't tell that drill-loli can change whatever her library's connected to? That's awesome! But, I'd better find out where I was sent. Opening the door he just came from, Subaru was greeted by another hallway. He decided to just ask someone for directions, but then he hears-

"What in the hell are you doing in our room?"

"Gah!" he turns and is surprised to see a pink-haired girl in a maid outfit.

"No way, maid costumes exist here? This is gonna be awesome!" Subaru said with glee, until he processed what she just said and how he responded.

"Wait, is this your room? My bad, I didn't realize! The little girl just told me to leave from the library and I ended up in here!" he said, hoping this would quell the rage of whatever maiden he'd probably violated by entering her room.

"Hmph!" she snorted. "Ram will not be tricked by such an unlikely story, but so as not to accidentally insult Roswall-sama's honor by immediately slandering a guest, I shall confirm with Beatrice-sama later. For now, come with me. We were looking for you." With that, she turned and walked down the hall. Subaru walked quickly to catch her. "Hey, wait up!"

The two walked in silence, until Subaru saw Emilia and Puck in the front yard. He quickly broke off from Ram and raced to them, much to Ram's annoyance.

"Hey, Emilia!" She turned.

"O-oh, Subaru! Good morning. I was told you'd disappeared." she said with a look of worry and anxiety on her face

"Yeah, I just met with that librarian girl, no need to to worry, Emilia-tan!" he said with a laugh. "...Although she did play a nasty prank on me at the end."

"Eh? Are you alright?"

"Yeah, yeah, she just sent me to Ram's room. But she did seem pretty shaken up when she touched me."

"Hm, that's strange…"

Suddenly…

'Fwoosh'

"Good morning, Subaru!" Puck called out, emerging from his crystal.

"Ah, Puck, g'morning!" Subaru greeted back.

"Thanks for saving my daughter yesterday. I really owe ya."
"Oh, it was no biggie. Really, I just couldn't leave a defenseless maiden at the mercy of that black widow," Subaru said while scratching his head.

"Oh, by the way," Emilia began, "what was it that you used to heal Rom's eyes? I didn't think mana could be used while Reinhard was attacking."

At this, Puck and Ram also looked curious.

"Ah, well you see," Subaru began, unsure of what to say before remembering his importance in this world, "It was the gods of life and death that bestowed me with my power, and in exchange I act as their ambassador on this world!" Subaru yelled while pointing to the sky.

"..."

"...Huh?" Emilia tilted her head.

"Well that's one one to go about it!" Puck said with a laugh. Ram just snorted from behind Subaru, unheard by the three. Suddenly, a voice called out.

"Nee-sama, Emilia-sama, Guest-sama!" Turning, the group saw a girl who looked identical to Ram, except with blue hair. No doubt her sister. "Roswall-sama has returned!" she said, gesturing them over.

Inside the dining room, Subaru saw Beatrice walking in from the foyer. "Oh hey there, Beako!" Subaru said with closed eyes and a toothy smile. "Really enjoyed that prank you pulled on me earlier…"
Beatrice's whole body shivered as she turned to look at him, fear evident in her eyes. "E-eh? W-w-w-www-what prank?" she said, sakling.

"Oh, was that on accident?" Subaru said, his whole demeanor suddenly changing. "Never mind, then." He turned to Emilia and Puck.

"Hiya Betty! I haven't seen you for a while!" Puck said with a wave. "You staying lady-like?" he flew away from Emilia and over to Beatrice, who hesitantly opened her hand, grabbing him.

"Hello, B-bubby…" she said, stroking his fur in a rhythmic manner. "How've you been?" she said, walking off while still holding him.

"She really does seem scared of you," Emilia said, turning to Subaru. "Could it have something to do with your mysterious power?"
"Probably…" Subaru said, taking his seat along with Emilia.

"..."

She is scared of us, the Entity suddenly spoke in Subaru's mind, causing him to scream.

"GAH!" All heads turned toward him. "...S-sorry, just thought of something really scary, hehe." Everyone resumed their activities, though Emilia looked at him worriedly and Beatrice was sitting in the corner holding Puck.

What the hell!? Why would you wait until now to speak up?
We did not deem it necessary, for this is YOUR journey, not ours, human.

Indeed, boy, Nekron spoke up. You are to decide which one of us will rule this world. We cannot make the decision for you. In any case, the spirit sensed our power residing inside of you, and like any creature with survival instincts, she fears what is beyond her comprehension.

Wow, now I feel bad for teasing her earlier.

Don't, the Entity told him. She tried to drain your power and instead experienced ours. She brought this upon herself.

"..."

All eyes swiftly turned towards the entrance as an...extravagantly dressed man arrived. He looked like a clown with the outfit he was wearing.

"Gooood evening, everyooooone!' he greeted cheerfully. He was surely a clown.

"You guys have a clown entertain you before your meals? Man, I'll never understand you royals," Subaru said, much to the horror of Emilia.

"Um, Subaru, that man is-"
"It's quite allllllllright, Emilia-saaaama," he enunciated. "I'll handle it from here."

"Hm?" Subaru said.

"I am the lord of this household," he announced, much to Subaru's shock, "Roswall L. Mathers."

"..." Subaru was stunned speechless. Roswall took his seat while Subaru was staring.

The rest of the meal proceeded smoothly, despite that hiccup. Eventually, they got around to the topic of the insignia.

"For fiiinding Emilia-sama's insignia, I'll grant you any request," Roswall announced.

Oh, that's perfect! Wait-
"Say, Ros-chi, why do you refer to her as 'Emilia-sama?'"

"Weeeell, I'm not sure about you, but I refeeeer to someone higher than me with respeeeect," he replied. Subaru paled a bit, then turned to Emilia.

"Then that would mean you're…" he began

"My current title is the 42nd ruler candidate for the Lugunican throne," Emilia finished.

Subaru was kind of stunned at that. He'd saved something akin to a princess? If he ended up damning the world, he'd let her rule the leftovers.

In any case, regardless of Emilia-tan's status, I need a way to evaluate the people here. I'd also like to be fair and give people a second chance, since I myself don't know the customs here. And what kind of judge would I be if I didn't know about the common status and toils here? So in that case, I'll…Subaru stood up suddenly.

"I've decided, then! I've come to like this place! Hire me to work here!"

"..."

No one said anything, until-

"Achoo," Ram sneezed.

Ram and Rem-Subaru found out that that was the blue-haired twin's name-went straight to the closet to find him a uniform, but the only ones that fit belonged to women. As such, Rem took his measurements and promised to deliver it later. Subaru went with Ram on a tour of the mansion, where he decided to ask about the "spirit" from earlier.

"Hey, Ram, do you know anything about the library Beako lives in?
"That is Beatrice-sama's forbidden library, which contains ancient texts handed down through the Mathers's history. The library is always shifting locations throughout the manor, so finding it twice is near impossible." As soon as she said that, Subaru opened a door that led to the library. Inside were a startled Beatrice and a bewildered Puck.

"H-hello there, N-natsuki-sama," she stuttered.

"Oh, please, Natsuki-sama was my ancestor's name. Just call me onii chan," he said, jokingly.

"O-of course, onii-chan."

"EH!?"

"...Pervert," Ram whispered.

After that...shocking scenario, the tour concluded without a hic. Subaru finished his day and went to bed

Subaru woke up the next day feeling refreshed. Since he hadn't really conversed with them, he decided to interact with Nekron and the Life Entity.

Hey, you guys there?

Yes, boy, we've not gone anywhere. Stop being so loud, Nekron replied, clearly annoyed at life itself.

Indeed human, we haven't moved away from you once. What brought on this lack of faith?

Eek! Well, I'd hardly call it a lack of faith. I just haven't had a chance to use the amazing powers you gave me since I woke up. My only real experiences were the three thugs and the bowel hunter, so I doubt I've reached my full potential. I just wanted to, uh, check in with you two.

"..."

No one said a word, creating an awkward silence. Not sensing any social affinities from the two deities residing in his lanterns that resided in another dimension, Subaru started his second day. After lunch, he decided to spend some time with Ram and Rem, who he was determined to befriend as his first "normal" interactions-Emilia didn't remember their first encounter and Beatrice was terrified of his masters. It was not an easy task, as Ram kept insulting him whenever he failed at an assignment, which was often.

"You don't know how to handle a knife, Barusu," she scolded, referring to him using a blinding curse instead of his real name. "You should hold the knife still and turn the vegetables."

Aside from his complete incompetence as a butler, his second day went pretty well. As did his third, though he had hardly any time to spend with Emilia. On his fourth day, he and Rem went to the village for supplies. There, he played with the kids while Rem went got along well enough with the kids, but his day was ruined when a puppy bit him. Fortunately, he didn't bleed, and he and Rem made it back in time for dinner. Afterwards, Subaru went up to his room to relax while he still had some time before making dinner. At least, that was the plan…

Human, the Entity called out. You have been cursed by a MaBeast.

"Huh?! What's that mean?"
It means you will die unless you kill your shaman.

"Well, what cursed me?" Subaru summoned the lanterns, frantically rushing to the foyer door.

It was the puppy in the village, meaning that the children were likely cursed as well. If you act now, you can save them all.

"Right!" Subaru burst out the door and flew to the village. Arriving there, he could see everyone looking unharmed, but he didn't dare question the Entity. He saw the pup-coated in pure black, emotionally-from before just outside the fence and landed right before the village entrance, alarming everyone.

"S-subaru?" a little girl named Petra said in surprise. "Wh-why-how-You flew!"

"Yeah, I don't have time for questions!" he yelled, then pointed to the dog. "That dog is a MaBeast, and it's cursed the children and me! I need to kill it before we die!"

At this, everyone ran back into their homes in a panic. The dog growled, then jumped over the fence to face Subaru, who put his lanterns on the ground. He then snarled at the "pup."

"So, you're the MaBeast? I was expecting somethin a little scarier," he mocked.

The MaBeast growled, then suddenly it began changing shape. It shifted from a harmless lil pup to a beast that towered over Subaru.
"Now that's more like it!" he shouted, summoning a sword made of green light. "Let's go!" He charged at the beast.

"Lia, I don't trust that Subaru guy," Puck said with a worried look on his face.

"What?!" Emilia was shocked. "But he saved my life! What could you possibly find suspicious about him?"

"Yes, and I'm grateful for that...It's just, when I tried reading his mind earlier, I felt something-or rather, somethings-ancient and immensely powerful. It felt like my very existence would be blown away by their mere presence. And when I spoke with Betty earlier, she said she sensed the same thing. The thing is, these beings felt contradictory. One seemed to resemble my entire life if that makes any sense, and the other felt malevolent and corrosive."
"...That's really scary, and I'm sorry about what you felt," Emilia began, "but Subaru himself said that he was chosen by the gods of life and death, didn't he? I thought he was joking, but it may have been the truth. And besides, did you sense any malice in Subaru?" she asked.

"..." Puck was speechless. "Let's just keep an eye on him, okay?"

"Fine. I know you're just worried about Betty and me."

Subaru blocked a slash from the creature's giant claw, causing it to leap behind him. At this rate, neither blade would harm the other. But Subaru Natsuki is not a man who would keep trying the same action at infinitum. He quickly changed his sword into a gun and fired, hitting the MaBeast straight in the eye. It yelled, then charged straight at Subaru in a desperate attempt to kill him. Subaru simply flew into the air, deciding to see the limits of his creativity. The MaBeast looked up, stunned. Subaru raised his hand and summoned 11 spears made of green light. With his mind, he aimed then at the demon hound, then shot them forward just below the sound barrier. Each spear pierced his foe once, twice, three, no, an incalculable amount of times. Eventually, all that remained of the "fight" was a vague form of meat lying in a big puddle of blood.

By the time Subaru's battle ended, the sun had disappeared. The villagers slowly opened their doors, slowly and fearfully coming towards the still floating Subaru. Yellow was flowing throughout out the air as the village chief asked:

"W-what kind of m-magic was that? Y-you don't seem like a mage."

"Oh, that wasn't magic," Subaru answered, further shocking the villagers, "it was the power gifted to me, the judge of this world."
"..."

The villagers couldn't muster a single sound, they just looked on in confusion and amazement, before bowing down.

Subaru landed just outside the manor, lanterns still in hand. It felt amazing using his powers and he didn't want that to end just yet.

"By the way, how'd you know about it earlier?" Subaru asked the Entity.

It was easy to deduce, human. I noticed it the second I saw that beast.
"What?! Why didn't you warn me about it earlier?!" Subaru shouted.

Simple. They were in no danger with you present, and I wanted them to be in awe of our power, so that they would realize just who you are.

"...I guess that makes sense...still would've liked to know about the MaBeast earlier. Speaking of which, why was it black? At the very least, I thought it'd be red."

At this, Nekron chimed in. That is because of the way that MaBeasts were made. You see, boy, 400 years ago, Witches bearing the titles of the deadly sins of man roamed the world. One of these witches made the MaBeasts, but because all those who indulge in sin are damned, so too were the beasts by their very birth. It only makes sense that they radiate death, for they were born from it.

"Wow, so even the MaBeasts are creatures of my master…" Subaru muttered.

'SHING'

Suddenly, a gust of wind assaulted Subaru, and he heard something fall to the ground behind him. Craning his head back, he saw the part of his arm from below the elbow on the ground, still clutching the black lantern. He turned in shock to look down at his left stump, before the pain came to him.

"ARRRRGHHHHHH!" he screamed throughout the forest.

Another gust of wind came at him, but at the last second, Subaru conjured up a yellow-green barrier around him. It shattered upon impact, sending him to the ground. Getting up, Subaru tried to assess the threat before he heard...chains? Barely managing to gain any height, Subaru hovered a few feet off the ground, trying to see his attacker. He saw out of the corner of his eye something pink, but before he could look he saw a flail flying towards him. He didn't have any time to react or make anything detailed, he just used his fear to make something in an attempt to save himself.

...No pain set upon him. Opening the eyes that he closed out of instinct, he saw...a yellow, robed figure holding back the flail.

A.N.

Well, you've spoken and I've listened. My original plan was to have Arcs 1 and 2 follow closely with canon, I've realized that I might as well not have written the story if I wasn't going to change much. As such, Arc 2 will be where the story starts to diverge from its canon counterpart. See you at chapter 5!